Jenny Barr

When Jenny Barr took on a project role in Critical Care at Waikato Hospital, she saw an opportunity to strengthen her leadership skills through further study. 
 
“The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science at Waikato was local, accessible, and structured in block courses that fitted with my family life. As a mum of three working full time, that flexibility made all the difference,” she says. 
 
Jenny says the face-to-face learning environment stood out. “The discussions with lecturers and students from different backgrounds gave me perspectives I’d never considered. The collaboration between the School of Health and Waikato Management School was genius – it brought a fresh lens that’s often missing in healthcare.” 
 
Those lessons quickly translated into her workplace. “I was managing a challenging critical care project, and the co-design principles we explored in class gave me tools I could apply immediately. It helped me lead change with confidence.” 
 
The programme also gave Jenny space to reflect on her purpose. “Revisiting my values reaffirmed why I’m here – to make a difference for patients. That clarity has strengthened me as a leader.” 
 
Balancing study with family life wasn’t easy, but Jenny says her family supported her every step of the way.

I hope my kids see that when you set your mind to something, you can achieve it. 

As a Project and Operations Manager for Critical Care at Waikato Hospital, Jenny continues to draw on the lessons from her study every day; from navigating complex change to supporting her team through challenges. 
 
“I’d encourage anyone working in healthcare who’s stepping into leadership to explore this programme. It gives you a framework to work with, practical tools you can apply straight away, and fresh perspectives that are so valuable in today’s health environment. The support from Waikato made it possible to succeed alongside family and work.”